AGP Executive Report

Workforce & Manufacturing: Iowa launched a $4.7M grant program (AMP’D Iowa) to help advanced manufacturers build employer-led training for skills like production and machine maintenance, with applications opening June 29 and Iowa State’s Center for Industrial Research and Service helping match training to needs. Healthcare AI: A new report warns that “ambient intelligence” tools—AI that records visits, transcribes notes, and can trigger orders and billing—are spreading fast, raising new questions for clinicians and patients. Agri-food & Research: Rajeev Varshney, tied to Murdoch University, was named a 2026 Top Agri-food Pioneer by the World Food Prize Foundation for work advancing genomics-assisted breeding and improving access to seed and breeding tools. Public Health & Water: Iowa DNR issued swimming “not recommended” advisories at multiple beaches due to elevated E. coli, joining other states with bacteria and algae-related closures. Local Tech/Infrastructure: Charles City is starting railroad crossing improvements, with the Brackett Street crossing closed about two weeks beginning June 22 to boost safety and reduce delays. Business Moves: JK Moving named Andrew Doane vice president of Human Resources, adding decades of HR leadership experience.

Public Health & Environment: Iowa beachgoers are getting fresh warnings as elevated E. coli levels trigger swimming advisories or closures at multiple sites, part of a wider multi-state pattern tied to runoff and sewage overflows. Health Research: A new study links ovarian cancer symptoms to depression misclassification, raising the risk of delayed care. Tech & Materials: A rare-earth recovery push is gaining momentum as old servers and hard drives become a domestic source for critical metals used in AI and defense. Iowa Economy & Energy: Iowa’s long wind-energy bet is being credited with helping attract data centers, while another report argues the state’s energy policy is still being stress-tested by higher fuel costs tied to global conflict. AI Policy: States are moving ahead with targeted AI rules even after federal pushback, with lawmakers focusing on how AI affects kids and workplaces. Trans Healthcare Legal Fight: The FTC and multiple states, including Iowa, are suing WPATH over alleged misleading guidance for minors, putting medical standards and consumer-protection claims in the spotlight. Agriculture & Markets: Corn and broader ag markets are reacting to shifting geopolitics and pricing, with analysts saying risks may be “deferred” rather than gone.

Public Health & Environment: University of Iowa researchers say wildfire activity is reversing years of progress on surface ozone pollution, with smoke-driven chemistry worsening air quality across the Midwest. Agriculture & Markets: A new look at corn markets says spec positioning has “washed out” after the U.S.-Iran war premium eased, but analysts warn risks may be deferred rather than gone. Iowa Research & Extension: Iowa State’s Northwest Research and Demonstration Farm will host a free Summer Field Day July 9 on crop outlook, water quality, and disease/fungicide forecasting. Cancer Care in Rural Iowa: The Iowa Cancer Registry’s “99 Counties Project” holds an O’Brien County meeting July 9 in Primghar to share local cancer data and gather community input. Economic Development: IEDA awarded tax credits to AU Solutions for a $17M ag-chemical facility in Newton, aiming to add 22 jobs. Health Policy (Iowa): A Pella-area Medicaid billing analysis shows Procedures/Professional Services claims jumped sharply in 2024, reflecting shifting local spending patterns. Local Tech/Infrastructure: A Fort Madison downtown assessment presentation highlights plans to spur growth and more activity in the city’s core.

Wildfire Air Quality: University of Iowa researchers say wildfire smoke is reversing ozone pollution gains, worsening Midwest air and shortening lives as 2026 fire activity runs far above normal. Iowa Health Policy: Gov. Kim Reynolds accepted HHS Director Larry Johnson’s resignation and named Kraig Paulsen to lead the agency, with Johnson staying on as principal deputy during the transition. Ag & Energy Economics: One analysis argues Iowa’s corn selloff looks overdone after spec liquidation, but war and weather risks may still trigger supply shocks; another op-ed ties Iran war-driven diesel and fuel costs to mounting pressure on Iowa farmers and families. Cotton Origins Research: Iowa State-linked work traces modern cotton’s birthplace to a diverse wild population in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, using new wild samples and genetic analysis. State IT Contract Debate: Rob Sand says he’s still reviewing Reynolds’ plan to privatize Iowa’s IT operations with Cognizant and AWS. Cancer Planning Locally: Polk County launches a Cancer Coalition to build a countywide action plan using local data, with workgroups starting in July.

State IT Outsourcing: Iowa is set to pay Amazon Web Services and Cognizant about $420M over the next decade to take over state IT operations, with roughly 200 current IT workers facing layoffs and new offer letters expected soon. Health & Human Services Leadership: Gov. Kim Reynolds accepted HHS Director Larry Johnson’s resignation after Senate confirmation stalled, naming Kraig Paulsen (from the Department of Management) to lead HHS while Johnson stays on as principal deputy. Cancer Planning in Polk County: The Polk County Cancer Coalition launches with workgroups focused on prevention, early detection, and diagnosis/care/survivorship, aiming to build a countywide action plan using local data. Ag & Manufacturing Incentives: IEDA approved tax credits for AU Solutions’ $17M Newton plant and Pries Enterprises’ Independence expansion, supporting new jobs and capacity in ag chemicals and aluminum manufacturing. AI Policy Watch: A new review highlights fast-moving U.S. AI regulation, enforcement, and lawsuits, with growing compliance pressure for businesses using AI in high-impact areas. Wildfire Smoke Health: Early wildfire acreage is already at record pace, driving air quality alerts across multiple states and raising health risks from PM2.5. Local Tech/Design: Sioux Center mayor will join Iowa State’s Iowa Mayors’ Design Workshop to tackle downtown traffic, green space, and long-term community design.

Pesticide Liability Fight: Pesticide makers are pushing “liability shield” laws to block lawsuits tied to cancer claims from products like Roundup, as the U.S. Supreme Court is set to rule in July 2026 on whether federal law blocks state “failure to warn” cases. Trans Health Oversight: The FTC and Iowa (with Alaska, Nebraska and Texas) sued WPATH, alleging it misled parents about pediatric gender-transition services and hid risks. Seed Industry Antitrust: USDA fired an expert team meant to boost competition in the seed market, even as officials tout a separate antitrust deal aimed at seed concentration. Iowa IT Transition: Iowa will pay Amazon Web Services and Cognizant about $420M over a decade for state data and website management, after layoffs raised questions about outsourcing and transparency. Manufacturing & Jobs: IEDA approved tax credits for expansions in Independence and Newton, plus tourism grants including Le Mars pickleball and outdoor fitness upgrades. Research & Environment: University of Iowa researchers say wildfire emissions are reversing ozone pollution gains, tied to more premature deaths. Local Tech/Design: Sioux Center mayor will join Iowa State’s Iowa Mayors’ Design Workshop in Ames. Distributed Manufacturing: Roboze acquired Dimanex assets to build a “physical AI” layer for 3D-printing supply chains.

Pesticide Accountability Fight: A new push for “liability shield” laws is gaining steam as pesticide makers lobby states to block lawsuits tied to cancer risks from products like glyphosate; the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to weigh whether federal law can preempt these state claims. Health & Policy: A report from the Society of Family Planning estimates 1.13 million abortions in the U.S. in 2025, with telehealth driving growth—now 28% overall, up to 29% by late 2025. Iowa Education & Training: Northeast Iowa Community College announced 340 spring 2026 graduates and 718 students on the dean’s list. Local Tech in Schools: Exira-EHK approved an esports program for grades 8–12, using Iowa Communications Network classrooms and competing through the Iowa High School Esports Association. Iowa Economy: Iowa Workforce Development says the state added 3,400 jobs in May and unemployment fell to 3.2%. Rural Safety Tech: Iowa State researchers report on how many manure-temperature sensors deep-pit swine barns need to measure conditions more accurately. Medical Innovation: FDA advisers backed Moderna’s experimental mRNA flu shot (mRNA-1010) for adults, boosting odds of approval soon. Iowa Workforce Grant: Iowa Workforce Development is launching a $4.7 million manufacturing training grant.

FDA Watch: A unanimous FDA advisory panel backed Moderna’s experimental mRNA flu shot (mRNA-1010) for adults 50–64 and also found it beneficial for seniors, setting up a decision by Aug. 5. Iowa Workforce: Iowa Workforce Development launched a $4.7M advanced manufacturing training initiative, reimbursing employers up to 80% for employer-led upskilling. Local Tech & Policy: Iowa’s Natural Resource Commission is moving toward rules that would ban trail cameras in state game management areas, aiming to curb unfair hunting advantages. Economy: Iowa’s unemployment rate fell to 3.2% in May, with job growth in retail and professional/technical services. Health & Consumer Protection: The FTC and several states, including Iowa, sued WPATH over alleged misleading claims about pediatric transgender medical procedures. Agritech & Safety: Pesticide makers are lobbying for “liability shield” laws to limit lawsuits tied to products like glyphosate. Research & Data: Senators introduced the Web of Biological Data Act to build a national, AI-ready biological data resource for U.S. biotech.

Pesticide Liability Fight: Pesticide makers are pushing “liability shield” bills to block lawsuits tied to Roundup’s cancer allegations, as the U.S. Supreme Court is set to rule in July 2026 on whether federal law blocks state “failure to warn” claims. AI Regulation Watch: After Trump tried to rein in state AI rules, states are moving ahead with targeted laws on how AI is used around kids and workplaces. Climate Risk for Tech: A new analysis says nearly 80% of global data center capacity faces higher climate hazards like flooding, wildfire, and extreme heat—raising reliability and cost concerns. Iowa Water Quality: KCCI reports how rainfall is shifting nitrate levels in Iowa waterways, with drought-wet cycles affecting how often nitrate removal facilities run. FTC vs. WPATH: The FTC and Iowa (with Alaska, Nebraska, and Texas) sued WPATH over claims about pediatric gender-affirming treatments, arguing the group misled parents and insurers. Workforce & Manufacturing: Iowa Workforce Development launched AMP’D Iowa, a $4.7M grant program for employer-led training in advanced manufacturing skills. STEM Funding: DOE selected 29 new Computational Science Graduate Fellows, expanding Iowa-connected research training in high-performance computing. Local Tech/Community: Horizon Science Academy delayed its Cedar Rapids opening after losing a facility, now targeting August 2027. Sports Tech/Branding: Nike released Caitlin Clark’s signature “Caitlin 1” shoe, with a major rollout timed for her WNBA season.

Transgender Health Legal Fight: The FTC and Iowa AG Brenna Bird joined a federal lawsuit targeting WPATH, accusing the group of misleading parents and clinicians about the safety, effectiveness, and necessity of pediatric gender-affirming treatments, with claims tied to insurance coverage and future false statements. Workforce & Manufacturing: Iowa Workforce Development is launching AMP’D Iowa, a $4.7 million U.S. Department of Labor grant program for employer-led training in advanced manufacturing, with applications opening June 29 and Iowa State’s Center for Industrial Research and Service as a technical partner. Rural Cancer Care: The American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer rolled out a new rural accreditation category aimed at expanding access to high-quality cancer treatment where specialist shortages and travel barriers are common. Local Energy Tech: Cedar Falls approved the $80M Viking Energy Center gas plant, positioning it as backup generation amid rising demand tied partly to data center growth. Cybersecurity in Schools: A Des Moines man was sentenced to 21 months for hacking Saydel Community School District systems after stealing hundreds of usernames and passwords. Environmental & Biotech: A Fort Dodge-area chemical spill tied to CJ Bio America will cost about $90K after fish deaths in Lizard Creek from ammonia and contamination. Data Center Pause: Lee County supervisors approved a one-year moratorium on new data centers while they draft rules for construction and operations. DOE Supercomputing Fellows: The Department of Energy selected 29 new Computational Science Graduate Fellows to apply high-performance computing to AI, quantum science, engineering, physics, and materials.

AI & Writing in Iowa: Iowa State and Embry-Riddle researchers report that students using AI to write don’t get an easier job—they get a different one, with idea-making and judgment still on the student. Education Hub: UNI is launching EdvantageUNI, a centralized support hub for K-12 districts, educators, and families, including tutoring and UNI coursework. Local Tech for Health: A rural Iowa transit-and-hospital partnership is rolling out a Health Connector dashboard to coordinate rides and reduce missed appointments. Agriculture Tech: A new report highlights how satellite cameras help farmers spot crop issues earlier, improving early detection and saving yield. Bio & Environment: Iowa’s cancer story is getting national attention as rates rise and researchers look for causes. Community Grants: Cedar County’s community foundation awarded $150,950 to local education, arts, recreation, and economic projects. Fiber Broadband: Grain Management is combining Ritter and Great Plains into Rightfiber, aiming for a 20-state fiber network. Public Works: Cedar Falls advanced zoning for a new Viking Energy Center, with debate over fossil vs. renewables.

Telecom Fiber Buildout: Ritter Communications is merging with Great Plains Communications to form Rightfiber, a 28,000-mile fiber network spanning 20 states and 400+ communities—more digital infrastructure for Iowa-area connectivity. Higher Ed & Workforce: The Iowa Board of Regents created a new efficiency department, naming Gov. Reynolds’ COO Jacob Nicholson as chief efficiency officer to find revenue streams for UNI, ISU, and the University of Iowa. UNI Campus Upgrade: UNI approved plans to renovate the Commons building, funding a new Iowa Civic Educators Institute and the Senator Chuck Grassley Center. AI in Education: Dakota Wesleyan partnered with AI platform BoodleBox to give students and faculty access to AI tools without subscription fees, while tackling concerns about misuse and learning habits. Health Research: University of Iowa researchers report ovarian cancer symptoms can be mistaken for depression, risking delayed care. Agriculture Science: Iowa State scientists traced domesticated cotton to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, pointing to new genetic sources for improving the crop. Public Health Policy: Pesticide makers are pushing “liability shield” laws to block lawsuits tied to failure-to-warn claims, with the U.S. Supreme Court expected to weigh in this summer. Local Safety & Tech: OpenLoop launched Launchpad, letting health and wellness brands stand up virtual care storefronts and intake flows in as little as 24 hours.

Data Centers vs. Local Control: Residents across the Midwest and South are pushing back on new data centers over water use, power costs, and zoning power, with some counties moving toward moratoriums while rules catch up. Iowa Moratorium Watch: Lee County supervisors are set to vote on a up-to-year pause on new data center construction, citing concerns about water and electricity and the lack of countywide zoning outside city limits. Public Safety Tech: Primghar Fire Department received a $2,500 grant from Black Hills Energy for two four-gas air monitors to detect hazardous conditions during emergency calls. Cancer Screen Iowa: A new initiative aims to boost awareness of free cancer screenings for Iowans, focusing on catching cancers earlier. Iowa Education: The Iowa Board of Regents gave preliminary approval to an accelerated degree path requiring about 90–95 credits, and NIACC launched its 20th annual free-tuition contest for adult learners. Agriculture Research: Iowa State research highlights that higher soybean-meal swine diets can help pigs hold up during heat stress. Health & Community: Des Moines University Clinic—Behavioral Health added therapist Julie Rice, expanding adult mental-health services. Local Tech & Services: Ames rolled out curbside recycling to save landfill space and reduce truck trips. Environment & Water: CJ Bio America in Fort Dodge agreed to pay over $90K after a spill caused a fish kill in Lizard Creek.

State IT Overhaul: Iowa is moving into the next phase of its tech consolidation, shifting infrastructure to AWS and outsourcing day-to-day operations to Cognizant—while about 200 state IT workers face layoffs on Aug. 3. AI Workforce Readiness: A new 4-H survey finds teens are already changing career plans because of AI, but many say they lack guidance and feel unprepared. Library Supply Tech: The New York Times spotlights how Iowa City Public Library is adapting after Baker & Taylor dissolved, disrupting new releases statewide. University Tech Vision: Iowa State President David Cook will brief the Board of Regents in July on his vision, including possible new AI-related degree offerings and faster water-quality tech. Public Health & Environment: A University of Iowa study links wildfire smoke to higher ground-level ozone, wiping out years of air-quality gains. Wildlife Management: Iowa DNR listening sessions show deer topped the agenda, with calls to adjust antlerless tags and season timing. Local Recycling: Ames launches curbside recycling to boost diversion and save landfill space. Cybersecurity Training: National Guard partners join a multinational cyber exercise in Croatia, including Iowa’s state partner. Food Safety: An Alfredo sauce recall (Salmonella risk) includes distribution in Iowa. Weather Impacts: Lightning damaged Lyon County electrical equipment, knocking out courthouse systems and communications gear.

AI Surveillance Poll: A new Harris Poll report finds Americans don’t reject AI-powered monitoring outright—they oppose “unchecked, indiscriminate surveillance,” preferring targeted systems that focus on active threats. State Tech Policy: A separate report says some states are moving ahead with AI rules even as the federal government stalls, focusing on how chatbots, employers, and developers handle real-world risks. Pesticide Liability Fight: Pesticide makers are lobbying for “liability shield” laws to block lawsuits tied to Roundup’s cancer allegations, as the U.S. Supreme Court weighs whether federal law blocks state “failure to warn” claims. Iowa Adult Education Funding: Iowa lawmakers cut Adult Education and Literacy funding by $1M, raising concerns for programs like Kirkwood’s and adding pressure as new civics testing requirements roll in. Data Centers & Water: A deep dive looks at whether AI data centers’ power and water impacts are exaggerated or understated, finding a more complicated picture than either side claims. Iowa Weather/Storms: Severe weather continues to ripple across the Midwest, with tornado counts and recovery efforts still underway. Iowa Health & Research: A piece argues Alzheimer’s prevention may be the next “turning point,” pointing to silent brain changes years before symptoms.

Pesticide Liability Fight: Pesticide makers are pushing “liability shield” laws to block lawsuits tied to cancer-linked chemicals like glyphosate, as the U.S. Supreme Court weighs whether federal law blocks state “failure to warn” claims. AI Regulation Clash: After Trump urged states to hold off, Illinois and others are moving ahead with targeted AI rules focused on real-world uses like child-facing chatbots and workplace systems. Nuclear Navy Watch: Congress is questioning whether the Navy can realistically build the planned “Trump-class” nuclear-powered battleships without derailing existing nuclear shipbuilding work. Iowa IT Outsourcing: Iowa will lay off 192 state IT workers as data migration moves to Amazon Web Services, with day-to-day operations handled by Cognizant. Water & Drought: Iowa’s latest water update says dry conditions worsened in May, with about three-quarters of the state abnormally dry or worse. Local Tech & Power: Mi-T-M in Peosta won an Iowa business innovation award for an emission-free battery power station. Public Health & Water Quality: Iowa DNR beach monitoring found some public beaches not recommended for swimming due to bacteria and microcystins.